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Updated: Dec 25, 2025

Induction of Paralysis and Visual System Injury in Mice by T Cells Specific for Neuromyelitis Optica Autoantigen Aquaporin-4
Published on: August 21, 2017
Acute anosmia in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Joseph Marshall1, Iris Kleerekooper2, Indran Davagnanam3
1Department of Neurology, Northwick Park Hospital, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.
Abstract:
The cardinal features of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) are optic neuritis, longitudinal extensive transverse myelitis and area postrema syndrome. Olfactory dysfunction is not listed as a feature in the NMOSD diagnostic criteria. Here, we present an aquaporin-4 antibody positive patient who, in addition to classical features of NMOSD, developed acute anosmia with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of olfactory bulb abnormalities. While the association of anosmia and NMOSD has been rarely noted previously, to our knowledge, no prior cases have found this to be one of the presenting features of a relapse nor have they identified acute radiological correlates.
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